From the deep dark wood, the Gruffalo’s Child has wandered on to her very own 50p coin for the first time, in celebration of the story’s 20th anniversary. The new collectible follows the Royal Mint’s popular coin which celebrated the world’s most loved woodland monster, The Gruffalo, in 2019.
Struck at The Royal Mint’s headquarters in South Wales, the 50 pence piece features an original illustration by Axel Sheffler of the brave Gruffalo’s Child in the wintry setting of the deep dark wood, alongside the quick-thinking little Mouse. A selection of the coins will feature colour, bringing the characters and story to life on the coin in intricate detail.
The Coin Honors the Book's Legacy
The Gruffalo’s Child, a sequel to the popular children’s tale, The Gruffalo, was first published in 2004. The story has captivated readers worldwide, with its heartwarming tale of a curious little monster venturing into the deep dark wood. The book has earned numerous awards and was even adapted into a short animated film which aired on BBC One on Christmas Day in 2011.
The new coin, released by the Royal Mint, not only celebrates the 20th anniversary of the book but also pays homage to its enduring popularity and the imaginative world that Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler have created. The coin captures the essence of the story, showcasing the whimsical characters and the enchanting backdrop of the deep dark wood.
A Special Commemoration
The Royal Mint has a history of featuring popular children’s characters on its commemorative coins, with previous releases including Paddington, The Snowman, and Beatrix Potter favorites. The Gruffalo’s Child joins this esteemed list, becoming a part of a collection that celebrates the enduring legacy of beloved children’s literature.
A Lasting Memento
Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said: “The heartwarming tale of The Gruffalo’s Child has captivated readers since its release 20 years ago, and this year the curious little monster finds a permanent home on a 50 pence piece. Brought to life by Royal Mint expert craftspeople, this coin captures the true essence of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved story in beautiful detail.”
The coin is not going to be circulated, but will be available to buy from The Royal Mint’s website in various precious metal finishes. The cheapest version costs £12, while a gold one will set you back £99. Past Gruffalo coins have sold for much higher prices on resale sites due to their rarity. This suggests that this collectible coin will be cherished by fans of the story, making it a valuable memento of the 20th anniversary celebration.
Authors Delighted with the Honor
Donaldson expressed her delight about the coin, stating: “It’s wonderful to see the Gruffalo’s Child follow in her father’s footsteps by featuring on her very own 50p coin. I’m so happy that she is being celebrated in this way and I hope that fans of the book will treasure this coin as a long-lasting memento of the 20th anniversary year.”
Scheffler shared his sentiment, saying: “I feel very honored to have yet another coin celebrating the Gruffalo, and now even his offspring.”
The Enduring Legacy of The Gruffalo
The Gruffalo book series has sold over 18 million copies worldwide and has been translated into more than 100 languages, proving the enduring appeal of the story. The books have earned numerous awards, solidifying their place in children’s literature. The Gruffalo’s Child, with its enchanting story and endearing characters, continues to capture the hearts of readers and now, with its own commemorative coin, it becomes a permanent part of the cultural landscape, reminding us of the magical world that Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler created.
The release of this coin signifies not only the celebration of the 20th anniversary of The Gruffalo’s Child but also the lasting impact of the story and its characters on the world. As readers continue to enjoy the tales of The Gruffalo and his offspring, this coin will serve as a reminder of the power of imagination and the enduring appeal of well-crafted children’s literature.
